Sarasota Police High Visibility Enforcement program to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
The Sarasota Police Department is again implementing a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The City of Sarasota ranks among the top 25 cities in the state of Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.
To protect the most vulnerable road users, the Sarasota Police Department will be conducting High Visibility Enforcement details from September 2024 through May 2025 throughout the City of Sarasota with a focus on several key roadways, including:
- North Washington Boulevard (US 301) from 10th Street to Myrtle Street
- Central Avenue from Mira Mar Court to 5th Street
- North Tamiami Trail (US 41) from Boulevard of the Arts to Gary Street
- South Tamiami Trail (US 41) from Browning Street to Mound Street
- South Tamiami Trail (US 41) from Bahia Vista Street to Webber Street
- Fruitville Road from Florence Avenue to Midwest Parkway
- Fruitville Road from School Avenue to Jefferson Avenue
- Tuttle Avenue from Colorado Street to 6th Street
The HVE program is in addition to the normal duties the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit does daily. The roadways were selected by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) based on crash data involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles. HVE patrols are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the FDOT’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The enforcement effort aims to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Depending on the circumstances, violations may result in warnings or citations.
“We are committed to educating every driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist about the rules of the road,” said Officer Jason Frank of the Sarasota Police Traffic Unit. “Ensuring the safety of our community is our top priority, and it requires all of us working together to prevent traffic fatalities.”
Please remember:
- Drivers: Obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.
- Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.
All interactions with residents and visitors in the City of Sarasota will be documented, and at the end of the safety campaign, the results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for evaluation.